Stanton, CAVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Stanton City Council Election 2026

2 of 5

council seats up

2 contests

5 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

City Council District 1 · 1 seat

City Council District 3 · 1 seat

Voters in each of Stanton's four council districts elect that district's council member; the mayor is elected citywide. Districts 1 and 3 are on the ballot, and the mayoral election was cancelled.

1 note on these statements

The Nov. 3 election for mayor was cancelled by a 3-0 council vote in August 2026 because David Shawver was the only candidate nominated. OC Tribune · Aug 19, 2026

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Victor BarriosCouncilmember, District 2; term expires 2028bio onlyDavid ShawverMayor; continues after the Nov. 3 mayoral election was cancelled because he was the only candidate nominated4sourcedJohn WarrenCouncilmember, District 4; term expires 20282sourced

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

Start here

Match quiz4 questions · answers stay on your phoneSeat the CouncilPick winners, see the councilWhat council decidesCampaign finance rules, Police drones, Problem motels and business licensesKey datesDeadlines and vote centers

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Next date

Vote-by-mail ballots available

Mon, Oct 5, 2026

TodayAll key dates

What the next council decides

Campaign finance rules

Where it standsThe council repealed a local contribution-limit ordinance in December 2024, so state campaign finance law applies in Stanton.

What's on the tableWhether the council brings back local limits or recusal rules for votes affecting campaign donors.

Police drones

Where it standsIn July 2026 the council allowed Sheriff's deputies to use their drone first-responder program inside Stanton.

What's on the tableWhat data safeguards and public input apply to the drone program and other surveillance tools.

  • The council voted 3-0-2 on July 14, 2026 to let Sheriff's deputies, who are contracted for law enforcement, use their drone program in the city. Voice of OC · Jul 16, 2026
  • In a five-week pilot in San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, the drones responded to 82 calls and arrived before deputies 91% of the time. Voice of OC · Jul 16, 2026

Problem motels and business licenses

Where it standsThe council has tightened motel rules and advanced a business-license ordinance aimed at problem businesses.

What's on the tableHow strictly the city enforces motel standards and uses its new license powers.

  • On Jan. 14, 2025 the council voted unanimously to overhaul ordinances on zoning, permits and operating standards for public lodging. Voice of OC · Jan 22, 2025
  • Motels along Beach Boulevard and Katella Avenue are now required to obtain a conditional use permit. Voice of OC · Jan 22, 2025
  • On Sept. 22, 2026 the council voted 5-0 on an ordinance giving the city power to deny, suspend or revoke a business license; final adoption is set for Oct. 13. OC Tribune · Sep 23, 2026

Fee relief after the GKN Aerospace incident

Where it standsThe council approved a six-month pause on developer impact-fee payments for the owners of one apartment complex after the hazmat evacuation.

What's on the tableWhether the city gives other fee or payment relief to property owners affected by the incident.

  • The council voted 4-1 on Sept. 8, 2026 to approve the ordinance pausing impact-fee payments for the 321-unit Cloud House building. OC Tribune · Sep 9, 2026
  • The evacuation orders tied to the hazmat incident forced about 50,000 people, many of them Stanton residents, to leave their homes. OC Tribune · Sep 9, 2026

Law enforcement spending

Where it standsLaw enforcement is the largest share of Stanton's general fund.

What's on the tableHow much of the budget goes to the Sheriff's contract versus other services.

  • In January 2025 council members earmarked $16.2 million, nearly half of the $34.7 million general fund, for law enforcement. Voice of OC · Jan 22, 2025

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. Should Stanton set local campaign contribution limits stricter than state law?

  2. 2. Should Sheriff's deputies use drones as first responders in Stanton?

  3. 3. How should Stanton handle problem motels?

  4. 4. Should the city pause developer impact fees after a disaster like the GKN incident?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

The seat math

3 stay (not up this year): Victor Barrios, David Shawver, John Warren2 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

  • The council is made up of the mayor, who is elected at large, and four council members elected by voters in their districts, each for a four-year term, with elections in November of even-numbered years. City of Stanton
  • The city operates under a council/manager form of government, in which the council is the policymaking body and the City Manager carries out council policy. City of Stanton
  • About two thirds of Stanton voters approved a measure in 2024 that sets two four-year lifetime term limits on serving as mayor. Voice of OC · Dec 17, 2024

Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works →

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